India
has embarked on a long journey towards airport modernization aimed to make
antiquated Indian airports on par with the worlds best. This privatization move
has created tremendous opportunities for foreign investors in infrastructure
development and equipment suppliers. Seimens is a major investor in
BangaloreAirport project.
By 2020, the number of airline passengers in
India is likely to exceed that of
USA. Sensing a
mega opportunity, international hotel chains such as Hilton, Marriot and few
others are lining up investments in
India. Car rental agencies such as
Avis & Hertz are already operating in
India and other agencies are on the
way.
Closing Thoughts
Indian civil aviation sector is seeing an annual growth rate
of 37% - and a huge latent demand is yet to be tapped. With further
liberalization and entry of Indian carriers into international routes, the
number of passengers is bound to increase. This exponential growth is an ideal
opportunity for foreign companies to invest in
India.
India is already one of the largest
market for Airbus and Boeing. Soon companies will setup aircraft maintenance
operations in
India.
American & European companies must now plan their rapid entry into
India in next
few years or they will lose this golden opportunity forever.
